I attended AAD 69th annual meeting in New Orleans, LA, which was held February 4th-8th, at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The place is well known as a shelter for lots of people during hurricane Katrin in 2005. New Orleans is founded by a Canadian french and later Napoleon Bonaparte, the head of France, sold to USA the claim for this teritorry, at the time of presidency of Thomas Jefferson. New Orleans has been one of the most important cities in the South for most of its history.
Though it was not that time of the year for famous music festival Mardi Gras, I had a great time on Burbon street in French quarters listening to fantastic music perfomance many evenings in local pubs. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. French quarters have fantastic arhitecture, brining us back in time for nearly 2 centuries.
This was my first stay in USA and the biggest event I visited this far with total of 17 000 participants. It was a pleasant suprise to see a lot of dermatologists from South America, especially Brasil – hundreds if not thousands, including a new acquaintance – vice president of dermatovenerologist association of Brasil – Omar Lupi. From his words economy of the Brasil is progressing rapidly, and so is work of dermatologists.
During reception of AAD international members, I was introduced to Prof. Nellie Konnikov, originally coming from Russia, now a Professor in Dermatology and Chief of Dermatology Boston VA Healthcare System. DUring reception for Latin American dermatologists I was introduced to professor Stephen Tyring, author of 500 articles and 2 books a year, also famous for loving latvian traditions.
There were all the world leading brands in cosmetics, health and beauty like L’oreal, Clinique, Procter&Gamble, Dove, Neutrogena, Vichy etc., as well as all local and world medical equipment industry leaders. Presentations of exhibitors had new forms and were of world class level. From my point of view the biggest attandance and straight business was done at Delasco and 3GEN (Dermlite products line) booths, which we are happy to represent in Baltics and Russia.
I came across many new technologies and potential partners. We are working hard now to be able to pass these fantastic products to our clients in former USSR. It’s little bit too early to reveal details, so please follow our product line for updates.
I am looking forward to next big events in Kiev and St. Petersburg,
Janis Kisis
Member of the board
Eastmed Ltd.
